The Cameroon national anthem, “O Cameroon, Cradle of Our Forefathers,” celebrates the pride and unity of the Cameroonian nation. Below are the original lyrics in English and French, along with their English translation.
Additional Information
- Anthem Name: O Cameroon, Cradle of Our Forefathers
- Written Date: 1957
- Lyricist: René Djam Afame
- Composer: René Djam Afame
- Official Adoption Date: 1957
Original Lyrics in English
O Cameroon, Cradle of our Forefathers,
Holy shrine where in our midst they now repose,
Their tears and blood and sweat thy soil did water,
On thy hills and valleys once their tillage rose.
Dear Fatherland, thy worth no tongue can tell!
How can we ever pay thy due?
Thy welfare we will win in toil and love and peace,
Will be to thy name ever true!
Chorus:
Land of promise, land of glory!
Thou, of life and joy, our only store!
Thine be honour, thine devotion,
And deep endearment, for evermore.
From Shari, from where the Mungo meanders,
From along the banks of lowly Boumba stream,
Muster thy sons in union close around thee,
Mighty as the Buea mountain be their team;
Instill in them the love of gentle ways,
Regard for truth and scorn of ever things base,
And, as they march, may the angels watch in step,
With faith and hope their anchor brace.
Original Lyrics in French
Ô Cameroun berceau de nos ancêtres,
Va debout et jaloux de ta liberté.
Comme un soleil ton drapeau fier doit être,
Un symbole ardent de foi et d’unité,
Que tous tes enfants du Nord au Sud,
De l’Est à l’Ouest soient tout amour!
Te servir que ce soit leur seul but,
Pour remplir leur devoir toujours.
Chorus:
Chère patrie, terre chérie,
Tu es notre seul et vrai bonheur.
Notre joie, notre vie,
A toi l’amour et le grand honneur.
Tu es la tombe où dorment nos pères,
Le jardin que nos aïeux ont cultivé.
Nous travaillons pour te rendre prospère.
Un beau jour enfin nous serons arrivés.
De l’Afrique sois fidèle enfant,
Et progresse toujours en paix,
Espérant que tes jeunes enfants
T’aimeront sans borne à jamais.
English Translation of the French Lyrics
Here is the Cameroon national anthem English version. “O Cameroon, Cradle of Our Forefathers” reflects the pride and unity of Cameroon. Below is the English translation of the French lyrics.
O Cameroon, cradle of our ancestors,
Go forth, jealous of your freedom.
As a sun, your proud flag must be
A symbol of ardent faith and unity,
May all your children, from North to South,
From East to West, be all love!
May they serve you as their sole purpose
To fulfill their duty forever.
Chorus:
Dear Fatherland, cherished land,
You are our only true happiness.
Our joy, our life,
To you, love and great honour.
You are the tomb where our fathers sleep,
The garden that our ancestors have cultivated.
We work to make you prosperous.
One day at last we will arrive.
Of Africa, be a faithful child,
And progress always in peace,
Hoping that your young children
Will love you forever, without limits.
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